As many as 7 million people in the United States may have angina. It affects men and women equally.

Types of angina

There are four main types of angina:

Stable (angina pectoris) — this is the most common type of angina. It happens when your heart muscle is working harder than normal. The pain and severity occur in a regular pattern.

Unstable — this type of angina needs emergency treatment. The pain may be severe, and it's unpredictable. It's a signal you may have a heart attack soon.

Variant — this rare type, caused by a spasm in your coronary artery, often happens when you're resting.

Microvascular — this is another rare type that may cause severe pain and last longer than other types of angina.

Why choose UPMC for angina care?

U.S. News & World Report ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside as one of America's best hospitals for heart care and heart surgery.

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute provides complete angina care — from screening to diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Our experts work as a team to care for you and empower you to live a heart-healthy life.

Other types of angina may cause symptoms even at rest, and medications may or may not ease symptoms.

Diagnosing angina

First, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and health history.

Before confirming an angina diagnosis, your doctor will decide the cause of your chest pain and rule out a heart attack. Because angina is a symptom of heart disease, he or she will look for signs of heart damage.

Your doctor will also diagnose what type of angina — either stable or unstable — you have.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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